The Shepherd Who Holds Us Forever
The World Needs a Shepherd
In today’s chaotic world of uncertainty, fear, and loss, we
long for someone who knows us, leads us, and protects us.
The good news of Easter continues in this Fourth Sunday: Jesus is the Good
Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them into eternal
life.
Let’s walk through these passages to see how Jesus our Shepherd sustains,
leads, and secures us — not just for this life, but for eternity.
1. Jesus Knows and Keeps His
Sheep (John 10:22–30)
- The people ask Jesus, "Are you the
Messiah?"
- Jesus replies: “My sheep listen to my voice; I
know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (vv. 27–28)
Key Points:
- Intimacy: “I know them” — Jesus knows you by
name, by need, by nature.
- Security: “No one will snatch them” — your
salvation is not held by your grip on Jesus, but His grip on you.
- Eternity: “I give them eternal life” — a
promise not of temporary blessing, but forever union with the
Shepherd.
In times of fear, betrayal, or
confusion — rest in the truth: You are known, chosen, held, and led by Jesus
Himself.
2. The Shepherd's Presence in
Suffering (Psalm 23)
Perhaps the most beloved Psalm,
it’s not just poetic—it’s deeply personal.
- “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…”
- “Even though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil…”
Key Points:
- Provision: green pastures, still waters —
Jesus satisfies our physical and spiritual needs.
- Guidance: right paths — His Word and Spirit
keep us aligned.
- Companionship: "You are with me" —
even in suffering, we're not abandoned.
- Victory: “Goodness and mercy shall follow
me” — not just safety, but abundance and victory.
Psalm 23 isn’t a promise that we
won’t walk through valleys—it’s the promise that we won’t walk alone.
3. The Shepherd’s Eternal Care
(Revelation 7:9–17)
John sees a great multitude in
white robes, from every nation, standing before the throne of God.
“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their
shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (v. 17)
Key Points:
- Jesus, the Lamb, is also the Shepherd — the
One who was slain is now the One who reigns.
- Global Salvation: people from all nations —
the Shepherd calls sheep from every culture and background.
- Eternal Comfort: no more hunger, thirst, or
pain — a heavenly fulfillment of Psalm 23.
One day, our Shepherd will bring
us to a place where the sorrows of life are replaced by the joys of His
presence forever.
4. The Shepherd Empowers His
Church (Acts 9:36–43)
In this passage, Peter raises Tabitha
(Dorcas) from the dead — a woman known for her kindness and generosity.
Key Points:
- The church continues the Shepherd’s ministry
through compassion and miracles.
- Peter didn’t raise her by his power, but by calling
upon the resurrected Christ.
- The story ends: “many believed in the Lord”
— a sign that the Good Shepherd is still gathering His flock.
We are the hands and feet of the
Good Shepherd — called to comfort the broken, care for the needy, and reflect
His love in action.
Conclusion:
Beloved, the Good Shepherd
walks among us today:
- He knows your name (John 10),
- He walks with you through every valley
(Psalm 23),
- He prepares an eternal home for you
(Revelation 7),
- And He works through His people (Acts 9).
So don’t fear.
No matter the chaos around you, you are not forgotten, not alone, not
unprotected.
You are in the Shepherd’s hand — and no one can snatch you away.
Questions for Personal Study
or Group Discussion
- What does it mean to you personally that Jesus
knows your name and calls you His sheep?
- In what “valley” have you recently experienced
God’s comforting presence?
- How can you be like Dorcas — someone whose kindness
and generosity reflects Jesus’ heart?
- How does the picture in Revelation 7 give you hope
and perspective for life today?
No comments:
Post a Comment